Event Title
Wastewater Detection of SARS-CoV-2 Outbreaks via Digital Droplet PCR in Campus Dormitories
Description
PURPOSE: We wished to determine whether the level of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater (measured by digital droplet polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR)) was sufficiently reflective of virus circulation amongst residents that it could be used as a cost-effective and reliable method to monitor future outbreaks. CHALLENGE: As one of many “pilot teams” on this state-wide initiative, our main challenge was to develop, optimize and standardize work-flow, protocols and data analysis while faced with stochastic variation because of a small number of sites, sometimes each with only a few individuals. EXPERIENCE: Our lab was involved with accepting and processing 22 wastewater samples per week. Some of the work took place in a Biosafety Level Two laboratory and necessitated use of protective equipment while all of it required technical expertise and knowledge of and skill with molecular techniques. Downstream of the ddPCR step, we were required to carry out data analysis. OUTCOME: We were able to track and, in some cases, predict the presence of circulating virus. Our results suggest that wastewater-based epidemiology can be developed as a valuable tool in surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 and potentially other disease-causing viruses. Further sampling and analysis would lend higher confidence for this emerging and promising technology. IMPACT: This pilot study provided experience into quasi production-level environmental and health molecular surveillance technologies. We learned the importance of standardization even in complicated technical routines, gained insight into the quality control that is necessary for results to guide public policy and learned to work as a collaborative team both at the local and state level.
Wastewater Detection of SARS-CoV-2 Outbreaks via Digital Droplet PCR in Campus Dormitories
PURPOSE: We wished to determine whether the level of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater (measured by digital droplet polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR)) was sufficiently reflective of virus circulation amongst residents that it could be used as a cost-effective and reliable method to monitor future outbreaks. CHALLENGE: As one of many “pilot teams” on this state-wide initiative, our main challenge was to develop, optimize and standardize work-flow, protocols and data analysis while faced with stochastic variation because of a small number of sites, sometimes each with only a few individuals. EXPERIENCE: Our lab was involved with accepting and processing 22 wastewater samples per week. Some of the work took place in a Biosafety Level Two laboratory and necessitated use of protective equipment while all of it required technical expertise and knowledge of and skill with molecular techniques. Downstream of the ddPCR step, we were required to carry out data analysis. OUTCOME: We were able to track and, in some cases, predict the presence of circulating virus. Our results suggest that wastewater-based epidemiology can be developed as a valuable tool in surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 and potentially other disease-causing viruses. Further sampling and analysis would lend higher confidence for this emerging and promising technology. IMPACT: This pilot study provided experience into quasi production-level environmental and health molecular surveillance technologies. We learned the importance of standardization even in complicated technical routines, gained insight into the quality control that is necessary for results to guide public policy and learned to work as a collaborative team both at the local and state level.